The owners of a Wiltshire manor are seeking permission from the council to demolish a greenhouse in the gardens and replace it with a Victorian Manor style glasshouse.

Abbey House Manor in Malmesbury was purchased in 2021 by Whit and Kim Hanks, who also own The Old Bell Hotel.

According to the application submitted to Wiltshire Council, the pair have an award-winning team of gardeners undertaking the renovation of the five acres of gardens at Abbey House Manor.

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The application also proposes removing a pond which is described as being in a state of disrepair and detracting from the attractiveness of the garden.The application also proposes removing a pond which is described as being in a state of disrepair and detracting from the attractiveness of the garden. (Image: Watson Bertram & Fell) The application states: “The garden provides fruit, vegetables and flowers for the Old Bell Hotel.

“A high quality, permanent glasshouse would facilitate a year-round supply and a facility for nurturing seeds.

“The glasshouse will enable the over-wintering of rare and delicate plants from the garden to maintain its status as a world-renowned attraction.

“The new facilities will provide the opportunity to run horticultural education courses on site.

“The proposed glasshouse will provide an attractive backdrop to this area of the garden, screening the working area from visitors.”

These plans fall within a wider project of restoration, and although Abbey House Manor is currently closed to the public, the owners have plans to turn it into a luxury hotel.

Wiltshire Council is expected to make a decision by mid-November.